The Strad Podcast

Julia Reddy is the host of the Violin Class Podcast and teaches a studio comprising solely of adult learners. She and online editor Davina had a chat about how adult students can be proactive and design their own musical curriculum beyond the practice room - a completely different game from teaching children. What are your favourite ways to enrich your musical education? Find Julia's Violin Class podcast: https://www.violinclass.co/podcast Recommended listening: How to immerse yourself in the violin world  Violin practice strategies for busy people Advice from an adult violin student   Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_

Many of us as string players will find ourselves teaching in one way or another throughout our careers. We learn and pass on this great legacy of tradition that has gone before us. But what else informs our teaching? How do we find our groove, so to speak, as teachers and players? Cellist Guy Johnston spoke with online editor Davina about finding his teaching style, particularly after returning to his alma mater, the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. What’s it like, returning to the hallowed halls of your former school where you now call your former teachers colleagues? Guy shares his ‘a-ha’ moments of inspiration that he brings into his teaching, as well as his journey to delve into the wealth of teaching resources left to us from cello pedagogues of the past. Find out more about Guy’s favourite resources here Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_   Night Seasons: I – Nox Perpetua Rebecca Dale: Night Seasons Guy Johnston, cello / Tenebrae / Philharmonia Orchestra / Nigel Short Signum Classics

If you’ve read our February 2024 issue, you would’ve read our feature on the long-lost work by Ysaÿe, his Poème concertant. Violinist Philippe Graffin has recorded the work that had been undiscovered for more than a century – he joins online editor Davina in this episode to speak about uncovering Ysaÿe’s forgotten works, the history and inspiration of the piece, plus how he hopes to cement these lost works as staples of violin repertoire in the future. Read: Ysaÿe’s Poème concertant: shining a light on a long-forgotten piece Watch: Video: Ysaÿe’s Secret Sonata by violinist Philippe Graffin Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Poème concertant - Ysaÿe Philippe Graffin, violin / Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Jean-Jacques Kantorow Rêves Avie Photo credit: Marco Borggreve

How do you feel about improvising on a stringed instrument? While there are many musicians who specialise in this craft, you wouldn’t have to search far for string players where mention of the words ‘improv’ and ‘solo’ is enough to strike fear into their hearts. Violist and composer Jessica Meyer spoke to online editor and cellist Davina about how the word ‘improvisation’ can be seemingly daunting for string players, and how it helps to approach it as ‘making choices’. She shares her story with incorporating improvisation in her warm-ups, and how the mind-body connection of music making inspires her and her students to create their own exercises to further enhance their playing. Jessica’s new composer/performer portrait album I long and seek after will be released on 22 March on New Focus Recordings. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ ‘O elegant giant’ from Space in Chains for soprano and viola Viola and composer – Jessica Meyer Soprano – Melissa Wimbish Photo credit: Bill Struhs

Double bassist Michael Rieber is the first solo double bass player from the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg. Not only does he hold a principal position in one of Europe’s top orchestras, he’s also released a recording of French works called Nuits Blanches. How does Michael find the time to take on two very high-calibre jobs and projects? Michael shares with online editor Davina the lessons he’s learnt throughout his orchestral career, including why patience is critical when it comes to preparing repertoire – both new and frequently revisited, as well as how he structures his preparation time. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ César Franck: Sonata in A major I. Allegretto ben moderato (transcription by Balthasar Brockes) Alfred Desenclos: Aria and Rondo for Double Bass and Piano II. Rondo Nuits Blanches Michael Rieber, double bass / Norbert Goerlich, piano Es Dur Photo credit: Jewgeni Roppel  

Violinist Alena Baeva spoke with online editor Davina recently about the music of Stravinsky – specifically the Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss, which was arranged by Samuel Dushkin for violin and piano. She spoke about how this music encourages the player to harness the power of the imagination to showcase the kaleidoscope of colours displayed in Stravinsky’s writing. She also speaks about staying spontaneous, as well as her approach and tips to playing tricky double stops. Plus, you’ll also hear about what instrument and bows she used to record her latest album, Fantasy.  Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss K049 Pas de deux. Adagio Stravinsky (arr. Samuel Duskin for violin and piano) Alena Baeva, violin / Vadym Kholodenko, piano Fantasy Alpha Classics ALPHA1021 Photo credit: Jean-Baptiste Millot

Maja Bogdanović is no stranger to a busy life – she enjoys an international solo and chamber career as well as collaborations with regular musical partners, including her husband the violinist Daniel Rowland. Maja’s shared her thoughts with us previously on thestrad.com about travelling not only with a cello, but also with a small child. How does Maja stay on top of things? She and fellow cellist Davina Shum chatted about strategies for keeping an ideal mindset when you’ve got a busy career, including looking after your mental and physical health, as well as having a caring community around you, to avoid burnout and stress. Do you have a particular strategy or mantra that you employ to avoid burnout and stress? Send an email to thestrad@thestrad.com. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Cello Concerto No. 1- Op. 33 - I. Allegro non troppo The Carnival of the Animals- R. 125 - The Swan Camille Saint-Saëns Lalo • Saint-Saëns Maja Bogdanović, cello / RTS Symphony Orchestra / Bojan Sudjić  Challenge Classics CC 72949

If you’ve got a copy of our new February 2024 issue, (or seen it online) you would’ve seen our Masterclass feature on the first movement of Brahms’s Violin Sonata no.2, op.100 with violinist Daniel Kurganov. The interview for the Masterclass feature was just a tiny part of a larger conversation that, in addition to Daniel’s musical and technical advice on the work, included his wider thoughts on historical performance and the meaning of authenticity. Have a listen to an excerpt online editor Davina's interview with Daniel, which starts off with him giving a bit of historical context on the piece that he has recorded and released recently with pianist Constantine Finehouse, on their album The Brahms Age. Watch: Video premiere: Brahms Violin Sonatas on authentic instruments Read: Daniel Kurganov: on starting the violin at age 16 Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Brahms Violin Sonata no.2 in A major op.100 I: Allegro amabile Daniel Kurganov, violin / Constantine Finehouse, piano The Brahms Age Hänssler Classic

In our quest for virtuosic brilliance and flair in our music making, as string players, sometimes we forget that coming back to basics is important for solving many problems in our playing and performance. Many people to get distracted by the complexities of a particular obstacle, or perhaps try and tackle too many problems at once, leading to a sensory overload. Or perhaps overcoming challenges in string playing is so overwhelming and anxiety-inducing that you don’t know where to start! Here to chat with online editor Davina in this episode is cellist Gabriel Schwabe, who is also a cello professor in Cologne and Maastricht. He advocates an awareness or ‘scanning’ of one’s playing and set-up, to pinpoint simple ways to solve problems and unlock one’s playing potential. He shares his favourite strategies, provides a few examples of how basic things have helped his playing and his students, as well as some useful exercises to stay on top of his playing.  Read Gabriel's Q&A on Bridge's 'Oration' Cello Concerto and his listening guide on the piece. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ IV: Allegro giusto Bridge: Oration – Concerto elegiaco for cello and orchestra Gabriel Schwabe, cello / ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra / Christopher Ward NAXOS 8.574320 Photo credit: Studio Monbijou  

Rachel Cooper is a violin teacher who was recently awarded the Emerging Artist Award given by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the 2023 Women in Classical Music Symposium. She’s a Suzuki teacher, a violin and chamber music coach at Junior Guildhall and works for Nicola Benedetti’s education initiative, the Benedetti Foundation. As part of her award and her continuing professional development, Rachel is planning to put her teaching approaches into a book, to help inspire music teachers to inject a little bit of magic into their lessons. What’s so distinctive about Rachel’s teaching? Rachel speaks to online editor Davina about the concept of ‘3D learning’ and creative teaching – emphasising an all-round approach to music, including how something feels and sounds – not just how something looks – to embed information in a way that students understand and ultimately unlock students’ progress. She speaks about how tailoring her teaching methods to students gives you skills to become a better and more effective teacher.  Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Visit Rachel’s website: https://rachelcooperviolin.com/ Photo credit: The Shannons Photography

Violinist Mahaliah Edwards spoke to online editor Davina recently about her approaches to teaching students in a wide range of scenarios, which call for actively involving pupils in music making and learning, and with Mahaliah taking on the role of ‘being the teacher that she would’ve like to have had.’ Perhaps you’re a string teacher interested in hearing some ways to inject inspiration into lessons, particularly after a holiday break, or when students seem to become disinterested – Mahaliah shares her ideas behind music lessons with a broad perspective, and how teachers can also learn from their pupils. Visit Mahaliah's website: mahaliaedwards.com Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Photo credit: Olivia Davy-Hoffman

The city of Cremona is revered as being the historical birthplace and home of the violin and violin making, with luthiers today still emulating the models of Stradivari, Guarneri and the like. But what about the makers in nearby Brescia? Despite being geographically close, the city of Brescia has a remarkably different story, producing instruments and makers with their own distinct style. Here to shine a light on Brescian instrument making is Sydney-based luthier Linda Lespets, who puts into historical context what life was like for makers such as da Salo, Maggini and Rogeri and what influenced the choices they made when making their instruments. Linda is the host of The Violin Chronicles podcast - check it out here. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_

The topic of adult beginners and adult learners is one that resonates with many readers of The Strad. Here to chat with online editor Davina about the mindset of adult students is violinist and teacher Rachael Ridge, who has written extensively on the subject for thestrad.com. She’s the founder of the Adult Violin Academy and speaks about her experience teaching adults – particularly as adults will approach learning an instrument very differently from a child. She speaks about the importance of growth and progression, having a community, not being afraid to make mistakes and to take risks, as well as other factors, that will help adult learners on their musical journey.  Find out more about Rachael here and her Adult Violin Academy Facebook group here. Check out some of Rachael's blogs below. The dark side of being an adult violin beginner: Rachael Ridge 10 tips on how to stay motivated as an adult beginner violin student What are your experiences and challenges as an adult learner? Let us know at thestrad@thestrad.com Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_

This year, cellist Laurence Lesser celebrates his 85th birthday, as well as 50 years at the New England Conservatory, where he is president emeritus. His numerous students appear in concert halls, orchestras, teaching studios and more around the world. He speaks to online editor Davina about his teaching methods and approaches, including the ‘what, why and how’ of cello playing, plus how teaching has informed his playing throughout the years. The New England Conservatory will celebrate Larry’s 85th Birthday and 50 Years at the Conservatory with a concert at Jordan Hall on 13 November at 7:30pm with pianist Minsoo Sohn. From October to May, Larry will also be curating First Mondays at Jordan Hall, a concert series featuring musical friends and NEC alumni. Each concert is free and open to the public with online RSVP. Find out more here: https://necmusic.edu/concerts Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Bloch - Schelomo (Solomon), Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra Laurence Lesser, cello / NEC Philharmonia / Hugh Wolff, music director and conductor Fauré  - Après un rêve Laurence Lesser, cello / HaeSun Paik, piano Photo credit: Carlin Ma

Hailing from a family of viola players are Dana and Mikhail Zemtsov. Ahead of the release of their album Fathers and Daughters, the Zemtsovs spoke with me about being part of a viola dynasty. How did this collective of violists come about? What makes a typical violist? The duo share how the family is united by instrument, as well as painting a picture of life home in a viola household, plus what it’s like to work professionally with your family members The Zemtsovs's Fathers and Daughters album with pianists Anna Federova and Borys Federov will be out on 3 November 2023 on Channel Classics. Find out more here: https://lnk.to/fathersdaughters Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Cielito Lindo (arr. Dana Zemtzov) Dana Zemtsov, Mikhail Zemtzov, violas Fathers and Daughters Channel Classics

Recent visitors to thestrad.com may have noticed a video that premiered called Racing Horses, featuring a spirited performance from the cello and piano Cheng2 Duo, comprising siblings Bryan Cheng on cello and Silvie Cheng on piano. Racing Horses features on their upcoming album Portrait, which contains works by composers of Asian heritage, as well as two arrangements of Chinese folk songs, Racing Horses being one of them. In an international operation that involved Bryan in Romania and Silvie in New York, both siblings joined online editor Davina for a conversation recently about the choices behind their album’s programming, how music can be used to celebrate heritage, diversity and representation, as well as doing justice to traditional Chinese instruments on the cello and piano. Plus, the two share details of what music-making was like during their childhood in Canada. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Racing Horses/Sai Ma (赛马) by Huang Haihuai Cheng2 Duo Bryan Cheng, cello / Silvie Cheng, piano Portrait Centrediscs Photo credit: Andrej Grilc

Playing as a principal player in a string section of an orchestra certainly has its challenges – but how do you learn how to lead a section? There’s plenty of tuition on audition preparation and orchestral repertoire for students – but it's unlikely many string players attend a class called ‘Leading 101’ while at college! It’s certainly a job that comes with gained experience and feedback. Here to share his learning experiences of leading a section is violist Daniel Foster. Daniel joined the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC in 1993 and was appointed to principal viola in 1995 – sitting next to his father who was associate principal! As he reaches an important milestone of 30 years with the NSO, he shares his approach and philosophy on leading a string section. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_

Perhaps somewhat frustrated with the scarcity of double bass repertoire, Valentina Ciardelli is committed to finding and creating new repertoire for double bassists. Valentina is the founder of the How I met Puccini project, transcribing arias for double bass and other stringed instruments. She speaks about showcasing and celebrating the double bass for what it is, idiomatic writing, and the ever-fascinating parallels between string playing and voices. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Che puoi Farmi, non ti temo - fantasia su La Rondine per 2 Contrabbassi Valentina Ciardelli, Manuel dell'Oglio - double basses Photo credit: Juno Snowden/ Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Violinist Pavel Berman is in the rather unique and fortuitous position of having the opportunity to play on the 1702 'David Oistrakh' Stradivari violin – not only that, but he has recorded the Shostakovich Violin Sonata recently with pianist Maria Meerovitch, a work that was written for Oistrakh himself! What’s it like, coming face-to-face with the legacy of Oistrakh both in the music on your stand and the fiddle in your hand? Pavel spoke to online editor Davina about playing this special instrument, how it compares to other Strads and Guarneris he’s played before, and how the sound of the violin lends itself to Shostakovich. Pavel Berman and Maria Meerovitch’s album Passacaglia will be released on Orchid Classics on 6 October 2023, featuring violin sonatas by Shostakovich and Respighi. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad X: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ II – Allegretto  Violin Sonata op.134 Dmitri Shostakovich Pavel Berman, violin / Maria Meerovitch, piano Passagcalia Orchid Classics ORC100262 Photo credit: Franco Monti

Ahead of an upcoming performance with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, violinist Christian Tetzlaff spoke to Davina about performing Bartok’s Violin Concerto no.2. When did he first encounter it? What are his favourite moments? How does he get through the monumental work in one piece? Christian will be performing the Bartok on 30 September with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Edward Gardner. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad Twitter: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ I: Allegro non troppo III: Allegro molto Bartok – Violin Concerto no.2 Sz.112 Christian Tetzlaff, violin / Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra / Hannu Lintu Ondine Photo credit: Giorgia Bertazzi